On Dec. 1 the Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance 25-27, which establishes procedures to review requests for reasonable accommodations to operate certified recovery residences within local land-use rules.

Town Attorney Nancy explained the action implements a state mandate requiring local procedures for expedited review of certain reasonable accommodation requests tied to certified recovery residences. Staff and legal counsel recommended allowing the Local Planning Agency to review such requests in the same manner as variances or special exceptions. If the LPA decision is unanimous and no party requests an additional hearing within 10 days, the matter would not automatically come before the council, expediting the process for applicants. The attorney noted the ordinance responds to the state deadline and preserves a pathway for the council to hear cases when concerns are raised.

The council moved, seconded, and voted to adopt Ordinance 25-27; the meeting record shows the vote carried unanimously.